Jacques Audiard apologizes for ‘Emilia Pérez’ amid Mexican backlash

Director Jacques Audiard has since apologized to many after facing several criticisms from fans about his film Emilia Pérez, his musical exploring a cartel boss turned woman. Shot with Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña, this movie had premiered in Mexico City where it encountered flak as the local scenes were considered over dramatization of Mexican drug violence, in addition to very little participation by locals. Audiard explained that the film was an "opera" and not meant to be a realistic representation of Mexican life. He expressed regret if the film's content shocked audiences but emphasized that cinema asks questions rather than providing definitive answers. His comments, however, did little to quell the uproar surrounding the film's portrayal of Mexican culture. The film’s depiction of Mexico’s drug trade and cartel culture has sparked outrage, with critics like director Rodrigo Prieto calling the film “inauthentic” and “troubling.” Film critic Gaby Meza accused the film of exploiting the real-world issues of drug trafficking and violence in Mexico for entertainment purposes. In addition to this criticism, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Glaad condemned the portrayal of the trans character, calling it a “retrograde portrayal” of a trans woman. Despite the criticism, Emilia Pérez has received praise for its unique concept and performances, with the film gaining attention during the awards season. The controversy, however, has overshadowed some of its positive reception. Amid the backlash, Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro offered his support for Audiard, praising him as “one of the most amazing film-makers alive today.” This support has helped to balance the criticism, with some defending Audiard’s artistic vision. Karla Sofía Gascón, who stars as the lead character, also expressed her disappointment over the criticism on social media, urging viewers to focus on the film's positive message and representation. Gascón, who is Spanish, suggested that critics should shift their focus toward supporting Mexican films rather than attacking Emilia Pérez , which she believes carries an important message for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the controversy, Emilia Pérez has performed strongly during the current awards season. It has won four Golden Globes, including Best Musical or Comedy Film, and secured 10 Bafta nominations. Zoe Saldaña is considered a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, while Gascón is expected to make history as the first out trans actor to be nominated for Best Actress. The accolades reflect the film's impact within the industry, but the mixed reactions—especially from Mexican audiences and critics—highlight the complex nature of Emilia Pérez and the broader conversation about cultural representation in film.